Mike Tyson has responded to claims that his heavyweight showdown with Jake Paul was ‘rigged’, with the 58 year old dismissing the rumors and insisting it was a legitimate fight. The former heavyweight world champion made a comeback last month to face off against the YouTuber-turned-boxer.
Despite the match being lackluster, ‘The Problem Child’ managed to secure a decisive unanimous decision victory in Texas, pushing his professional record to 11-1. Tyson, who was trying to recapture his past glory on fight night, only landed 18 punches over the course of eight rounds.
After the fight, some fans were quick to label the bout as ‘fixed’ after footage surfaced showing the 58 year old seemingly pulling away from a punch. However, Tyson has since set the record straight.
In an interview with Fox Sports Radio, the boxing legend stated “it was a real fight.” He was also questioned about why he wasn’t throwing punches throughout the fight. His response was quite surprising, confessing he doesn’t recall much of the fight.
“I don’t remember the fight that much, I kind of blanked out. I haven’t watched the fight back,” he admitted. “You know what I remember… coming back from the first round and Jake was doing some sort of bow… that’s the last thing I remember.”
He added: “I wasn’t tired, I wasn’t sweaty. I went to the house we were staying in, I left the house with my wife and kids, went to the after-party then went back.”
In the same interview, when asked if the fight added to his legacy, the American star astonishingly said: “I never thought about that! The day after the fight, I woke up and told my wife ‘why did I do that?’ I just don’t know what the hell went on.”
The 58 year old then shared how his family reacted to his shocking confession, stating they were very ‘supportive’ after the contentious bout. Tyson also disclosed a near-death experience before the match, saying he almost died from an ulcer flare-up during a flight.
He reflected on the event, noting, “This is one of those situations when you lost but still won,” and expressed gratitude for the opportunity, adding, “I’m grateful for [Friday] night and have no regrets about getting in the ring one last time.”
Tyson revealed his harrowing health ordeal, “I almost died in June; I had eight blood transfusions. I lost half my blood and 25lbs in hospital and had to fight to get healthy to fight so I won. To have my children see me stand toe to toe and finish eight rounds with a talented fighter half my age in front of a packed Dallas Cowboy stadium is an experience that no man has the right to ask for.”
